I found a coolant leak today on an '02 GC Sport 3.3 L that had been evading me for awhile since it was hitting the exhaust instead of the ground. Looks to be an easy fix, but need to know what the part circled in the picture is as this is where the leak is coming from. That hose is behind the air plenum to the driver's side and appears to feed the heater core. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Looks like the heater core restrictor valve.

 

Agreed, or as Chrysler calls it a "Variable Restrictor Valve" part number 4677378. You can find one for less than $20 shipped on eBay, where everyone refers to them as a "Heater Control Valve".

George

 

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.

Was able to find an aftermarket one locally and make the repair. Good thing I didn't let the van continue to be driven: when disassembling the hoses the leaking valve broke completely free of the hose on one end, crumbling into pieces. Apparently the part was in bad shape and could have simply blown while driving.

Thanks again.